Diane Davis

Board Member @ First Fed

About

I’m a servant leader who believes leadership means rolling up your sleeves, understanding the organization from the ground up, and working alongside your team to deliver results. Though I'm an introvert by nature—known for listening, staying calm under pressure, and thinking before I speak—I’m also a strong communicator who connects effectively from the stage, on video, and through social media. People often say, “I didn’t know you were an actuary!”—a reflection of how I’ve turned that identity into a surprising superpower. I'm an experienced board director across public companies and nonprofits, with deep expertise in financial services, insurance, and community banking. I bring thoughtful questions, strategic insight, and a collaborative spirit into every boardroom—whether it’s a traditional “noses in, fingers out” environment or a startup-style, hands-on culture. I’ve led governance tune-ups, implemented enterprise risk management (ERM) frameworks, and helped steer organizations through M&A activity. As a former CEO and senior executive, I deliver results. I led a 100-year-old insurance company through cultural and operational transformation—introducing lean management, modernizing systems, improving service delivery, reducing costs, and significantly boosting employee engagement. We implemented a cloud-based policy administration system—on time and under budget. As an actuary and former Chief Risk Officer, I bring analytical rigor, a data-driven mindset, and a focus on improving systems, managing risk, and eliminating operational waste. I thrive on respectively challenging assumptions and making decisions grounded in modeling, forecasting, and scenario analysis. It brings me joy to help others grow and succeed. Whether through nonprofit board service, leadership in mission-driven organizations, or championing board diversity through initiatives like 5050 Women on Boards, I lend my expertise—and my heart—where it matters most.

Country

United States

City

Greater Seattle Area

Industry

Banking

Skill

Community Outreach, Leadership, Enterprise Risk Management, Data Governance, Business Continuity Planning, Crisis Management, Privacy Compliance, Cross-functional Team Leadership, Sales & Distribution, Operational Efficiency, Regulatory Affairs, Board Governance, External Audits, Board Administration, Board Operation, Board Search, Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), Underwriting, Risk Management, Marketing

Experience

Board Member

First Fed

2025-7 - Present · 1 yr 3 mos

Port Angeles, Washington, United States

(NASDAQ: FNWB) Independent Director and member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Board Loan Committee

Board Member

First Fed Foundation

2025-9 - Present · 1 yr 1 mo

Port Angeles, WA

First Fed Foundation exists to benefit the communities in which First Fed Bank maintains full service branches - the Foundation has delivered over $7.8 million into these communities since 2015. We are committed to improving the quality of life in these communities by investing in public activities or charitable services to be provided in those communities. We emphasize providing support to projects providing valuable community benefits, facilitating economic development or enhancing availability of affordable housing.

Board Member

FFNW

2020-3 - 2025-6 · 5 yrs 4 mos

Renton, Washington, United States

(NASDAQ: FFNW) Independent Board Member. Chair of Investment Asset Liability Committee, Member of Internal Asset Review Committee and Member of Nomination and Corporate Governance Committee. Acquired by Global Credit Union.

Board Member

American Life

2021-6 - 2023-12 · 2 yrs 7 mos

Lincoln, Nebraska, United States

(NASDAQ: MDWT) Independent Board Member and Chair of the Audit Committee. Acquired by Antarctica Capital in December 2023.

President and CEO, Farmers New World Life

Farmers New World Life

2016-7 - 2019-11 · 3 yrs 5 mos

Mercer Island, WA

Responsible for leading the team of professionals who deliver and support the life insurance products sold by Farmers agents.

Regional Chief Risk Officer, Global Life North America

Zurich Insurance

2013-1 - 2016-6 · 3 yrs 6 mos

Mercer Island, WA

Responsible for monitoring, measuring and reporting on the risks for Zurich's life insurance operations in the US (Farmers Life and Zurich American Life Insurance Company).

Chief Risk Officer, Farmers New World Life

Farmers Insurance

2010-6 - 2013-1 · 2 yrs 8 mos

Mercer Island, WA

Responsible for monitoring, measuring and reporting on Farmers Life's risks

Director, Life Marketing

Farmers Insurance

2010-1 - 2010-6 · 6 mos

Responsible for the introduction and management of the product portfolio of Farmers New World Life.

VP of Strategic Execution

Kemper Investors Life Insurance Company

2008-3 - 2010-1 · 1 yr 11 mos

Responsible for the planning and execution of new business propositions and strategies.

President and COO

Kemper Investors Life Insurance Company

2006-6 - 2008-3 · 1 yr 10 mos

Responsible for internal and external third party operations of start-up organization

President and CEO

Kemper Investors Life Insurance Company

2003-6 - 2005-6 · 2 yrs 1 mo

Responsible for fully staffing shell company and transitioning closed blocks of business to third party administrator. Responsible for all aspects of managing the firm, including working with regulators, rating agencies, and various third party stakeholders to stabilize the company.